INTRODUCTION 

The statue you're seeing now is the Sixth Station of the Cross, "Veronica Wipes My Face," This portrays a touching and compassionate moment in Jesus' journey to Calvary. This station depicts the encounter between Jesus and Veronica, who fearlessly steps forward to wipe Jesus' face with a cloth as He carries the heavy cross.

 

Veronica's act of wiping Jesus' face symbolizes courage, selflessness, and deep love for Him. Despite the chaotic and hostile environment, she overcomes fear to offer comfort and solace. Her gesture serves as a powerful example of how acts of compassion can transcend societal norms and expectations.

 

In this encounter, Veronica's love and reverence for Jesus are evident. Through this simple act, she expresses her devotion and gratitude for His sacrifice, recognizing Him as the Son of God. The cloth used to wipe Jesus' face is believed to have left an impression of His countenance, becoming the "Veil of Veronica," a cherished relic symbolizing this compassionate encounter.

 

The Sixth Station invites us to reflect on our own capacity for compassion and empathy. It challenges us to seek opportunities to support and comfort others, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Just as Veronica recognized Christ in Jesus, we are called to recognize Christ in others and respond with acts of love and care.

 

Veronica's courageous and compassionate act serves as an inspiration for all pilgrims. As we continue our journey of faith, this station reminds us to embrace opportunities to show love and compassion, recognizing the face of Christ in those we encounter. Through simple acts of kindness, we can leave lasting impressions of God's love and grace on others, just as Veronica left the imprint of Jesus' face on the cloth. May the Sixth Station inspire us to live with a heart of compassion and selflessness, following the example set by Veronica in her encounter with Jesus.

 

 PRAYER 

Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

Response: Because, by Your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

 

Leader: Consider the compassion of the holy woman, Veronica. Seeing Jesus in such distress, His face bathed in sweat and blood, she presented Him with her veil. Jesus wiped His face and left upon the cloth the image of his sacred countenance.

Response: My beloved Jesus, Your face was beautiful before You began this journey but, now, it no longer appears beautiful and is disfigured with wounds and blood. Alas, my soul also was once beautiful when it received Your grace in Baptism; but I have since disfigured it with my sins. You alone, my Redeemer, can restore it to its former beauty. Do this by the merits of Your passion; and then do with me as You will.